CN101437425A

CN101437425A - Load bearing surface

Info

Publication number: CN101437425A
Application number: CNA2006800545238A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 蒂莫西·P.·科菲尔德; 丹尼尔·S.·佐默费尔德; 安德鲁·B.·哈特曼
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2004-06-17
Filing date: 2006-08-25
Publication date: 2009-05-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-25
Also published as: US20050279591A1; US9173496B2; JP4504259B2; US9215933B2; CN101543357A; US20060286359A1; JP2006000646A; US10226893B2; EP2026680A1; EP2238868B1; EP1607028A2; EP2026680B1; US20060267258A1; US20160214310A1; US20090020932A1; CN1792298A; EP2238868A1; EP1607028B1; CN101543357B; US8534648B2

Abstract

An elastomerie load bearing surface with different load support characteiistics in different directions, In one embodiment the surface includes an eiastomei ic membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.

Description

Load bearing surface

Background technology

The application is the part continuation application of 11/112, No. 345 U.S. Patent application (i.e. present _ number United States Patent (USP)) of 22 submissions April in 2005, requires the priority of 60/580, No. 648 U.S. Provisional Patent Application of 22 submissions April in 2005.

The present invention relates to a kind of load bearing surface, relate in particular to a kind of flexible load bearing surface, for example the seat of chair or bench or backrest, the perhaps stayed surface of bed, cradle or other similar products.

People are still at the new improved load bearing surface of exploitation that keeps punching.For general load bearing surface, the main purpose of these effort is to obtain a kind of durable and cheap load bearing surface.For the application of backrest and other body support, it is also very important to solve comfortable problem.For example, for the seat, provide a kind of so surperficial extremely important: comfortable and do not make somatosensory fatigue after the use for a long time.Although specific surperficial desired bearer properties (for example: hardness, elasticity, strength/deflection profile) is difference owing to the difference of using, but people still wish to have a kind of like this load bearing surface, it all is easy to regulate in design and manufacture process, to be applicable to different application.

Being known that provides a kind of molded load bearing surface that is applicable to various application widely.For example, can obtain molded plastic chair (for example lawn chair) from a lot of known suppliers.Although these molded chairs provide a kind of cheap seat to select, they can not provide more expensive load bearing surface (for example traditional padded sleeve) support that is had and comfortable degree.On the contrary, these molded chairs provide the power/deflection profile of substantially linear, and this makes common molded seat surface that the sensation of cydariform or trampoline be arranged.In the application of seat and other body support, this may cause uncomfortable and the unacceptable load bearing surface of ergometrice.And the ability of regulating the characteristic of conventional molded seat is more limited.The thickness of different materials and different materials can be used for providing the limited control for the seat characteristic, but in many application, this control is not enough.

In the seat industry, use elastic fabric more and more.Elastic fabric can provide armchair structure comfortable, that ventilate.The fabric of the complexity that elastic fabric is made of the yarn of high-tech elasticity ultimate fibre and multifilament is usually made.This process causes its surface more expensive.Although in many application, the surface of elastic fabric is quite comfortable, and when applying load, they usually can be as the hoist cable deflection.Some ergonomic experts are called " hammock effect " with this deflection, and think that it is that people are undesirable, because this can make buttocks upwards rotate.For making " hammock effect " minimum, many suspension seats collapse very tightly, with the deflection that reduces to take place under the load effect.The sensation as cushion that this can reduce seat makes it more as a tight drum of land fall tightly.Therefore, elastic fabric may not be all desirable in all application.

Therefore, still need a kind of so flexible load bearing surface: it can provide and be adapted to the nonlinear power/deflection profile of unequally loaded.

Summary of the invention

On the one hand, the invention provides a kind of elastic load stayed surface that has different load support characteristics at different directions.In one embodiment, the support performance difference on the orthogonal direction (or separation).

In a kind of embodiment aspect this, described load bearing surface comprises molded elastic membrane, and the structure by changing described film is in the orientation of molecular level, and described elastic membrane is separated.In this embodiment, can make described molded elastic membrane orientation in the following manner: with described film towards the extruding of direction or be stretched to necessary scope, to increase the arrangement of described elastomeric crystal structure.This orientation process has changed the support performance of film, thereby makes film have sizable elasticity and less wriggling in the direction of orientation.This orientation process makes film have minimum elasticity on the direction perpendicular to this orientation direction.The wriggling that reduces makes it possible to adopt thinner, therefore softer moulding material as load bearing surface, thereby has reduced material cost and improved comfort level.

In another kind of embodiment, molded elastic membrane comprises the frame for movement that characteristic is born in the support that changes film and load.In this embodiment, film can include but not limited to the element of groove, passage, waveform or other the one that " loose " is provided in one direction.If desired, film can be directed and comprise the separation structure of machinery.

Also in one embodiment, film is separated into a plurality of nodes, and described a plurality of nodes make a position on the film be independent of another position to a certain extent.In one embodiment, film defines a plurality of interconnective geometries.For example, film can comprise by the interconnective a plurality of square or triangular nodes of complete linkage section.The characteristic of linkage section can change, with the support performance of controlling diaphragm.For example, film can comprise flexible or under the load effect deformable nonplanar linkage section, so that " loose " to be provided to film.

Second aspect the invention provides a kind of multilayer load bearing surface.In a kind of embodiment aspect this of the present invention, load bearing surface comprises interactional the upper and lower.The upper strata can comprise a plurality of nodes that loosely connect.In one embodiment, the upper strata is the molded tablet with a plurality of interconnective nodes of linkage section by one.The upper strata can comprise the projection of the one of extending from each node towards lower floor.This projection can the respective outer side edges corresponding with lower floor.The multilayer load bearing surface also can comprise the flexible member between the upper and lower.Described flexible member can be integrally formed with upper strata or lower floor.For example, lower floor can comprise a plurality of integrally formed flexing arms that are suitable for holding the projection on described upper strata.In one embodiment, lower floor can be the molded elastomeric membrane of separation.

The present invention also provides a kind of method of being made load bearing surface by elastomeric material, this method comprise the steps: substantially (a) molded elastomeric membrane and (b) in the following manner with described elastic membrane towards a direction orientation: elastic membrane is stretched in the direction, perhaps with elastic membrane so that its in the direction the mode of flow (flow) push.Described elastic membrane stretched or be squeezed to the degree that the arrangement of crystal structure on orientation direction of described elastic membrane increases to some extent.In one embodiment, this method also further comprises the step with so molded this elastic membrane of structure: described structure is along being different from mechanically separation membrane of direction that film is directed direction.This decoupled direction can be perpendicular to described orientation direction.

In one embodiment, described film is extruded according to following steps: (a) at the described film of restriction on corresponding to all sides the side of the orientation direction of expecting; And (b) apply extruding force to described film, make the material of described film towards the described direction flow that do not limit, to increase the arrangement of the crystal structure of described film on described flow direction.

The present invention also provides a kind of method of making the multilayer load bearing surface.This method comprises the steps: that substantially (a) manufacturing has a plurality of upper surfaces by the interconnective node of linkage section; (b) manufacturing is suitable for and states the lower floor that the upper strata engages in described node place; And (c) described upper strata and described lower floor are combined by the flexible member that is arranged on bonding station.In one embodiment, the upper strata comprises the axle (axel) by the extended one of each node, and lower floor comprises the elastic arm of the one of holding described axle.

The present invention also provides a kind of strong yet pliable and tough load bearing surface.The manufacturing of elastic load stayed surface is more cheap, and provides a kind of and can ventilate with the lightweight surface that prevents that heat is detained.The elastomeric material of separating has shown the support performance that is particularly well-suited in seat applications, because it provides elasticity and support in various degree at different directions.For example, the elastomeric material of separation can be provided at that left and right directions has elasticity and at fore-and-aft direction rubber-like armchair structure not.In addition, the crystal structure by increasing elastomeric material arranged in a straight line can reduce the wriggling in film greatly.In two-layer embodiment, the second layer provide on the load bearing surface/the down extra control of (perhaps z axle) displacement, this allows to control more the support and the comfort properties of seat.

By the detailed description of reference preferred embodiments and drawings, will more easily understand these and other objects of the present invention, advantage and feature.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the perspective view according to the load bearing surface of a kind of embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 A is the perspective view that another kind has the load bearing surface of a plurality of nodes;

Fig. 2 B is the enlarged perspective of the part of the load bearing surface shown in Fig. 2 A;

Fig. 3 A is the molded vertical view of elastic membrane before directed;

Fig. 3 B is the molded vertical view of elastic membrane in orientation process;

Fig. 3 C is the molded vertical view of elastic membrane after orientation;

Fig. 4 is the cutaway view along IV-IV line among Fig. 3 C of molded elastic membrane;

Fig. 5 A is the perspective view of the load bearing surface of first kind of replacement;

Fig. 5 B is the cutaway view along the VB-VB line of the load bearing surface of first kind of replacement;

Fig. 6 A is the perspective view of the load bearing surface of second kind of replacement;

Fig. 6 B is the cutaway view along the VIB-VIB line of the load bearing surface of second kind of replacement;

Fig. 7 A is the perspective view of the load bearing surface of the third replacement;

Fig. 7 B is the cutaway view along the VIIB-VIIB line of the load bearing surface of the third replacement;

Fig. 8 A is the amplification view that elastic membrane has the part of integral edge;

Fig. 8 B is the amplification view that elastic membrane has the part of first integral edge of replacing;

Fig. 8 C is the amplification view that elastic membrane has the part of second integral edge of replacing;

Fig. 9 is the perspective view according to the two-layer load bearing surface of a kind of embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is the partial enlarged drawing of load bearing surface shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is the exploded view of load bearing surface, shows the part of single spring, individual node and lower floor;

Figure 12 is a kind of vertical view of lower floor of replacement;

Figure 13 is the vertical view of the lower floor of second kind of replacement;

Figure 14 is a kind of perspective view of replacement of lower floor with flexible member of one;

Figure 15 is the perspective view of second kind of replacement of lower floor with flexible member of one;

Figure 16 is the perspective view that another kind has the top layer of triangular nodes;

Figure 17 is the perspective view of individual node of the replacement top layer of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is the decomposition diagram with load bearing surface of a plurality of nodes and support frame;

Figure 19 is that the load bearing surface among Figure 18 attaches to the perspective view on the support frame;

Figure 20 is the enlarged drawing that is used for the load bearing surface of Figure 18 is attached to the fastener on the support frame;

Figure 21 is the curve map of various load-deformation curves.

The specific embodiment

Load bearing surface 10 according to a kind of embodiment of the present invention has been shown among Fig. 1.Load bearing surface 10 shown in Fig. 1 is to hang on the molded membrane of supporting construction on chair seat frame 100 (shown in Figure 18 and 19).Load bearing surface 10 has different support performances in different directions.For example, load bearing surface can provide significant resiliency supported at directions X, and provides less support in the y direction.The support performance of this " separation " of load bearing surface provides very high comfort level.By open, the present invention is described in conjunction with the various alternative embodiment that is mainly used in seat applications.Yet the present invention is not limited to be used in the application of seat, and it also can be bonded to the application of other load support.The support performance of molded membrane is Height Adjustable, thereby makes load bearing surface 10 be applicable to the various loads of supporting in the various different application.

In the embodiment in figure 1, load bearing surface 10 comprises molded elastomeric membrane 12.In the illustrated embodiment, film 12 is to form by the thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer block copolymer is molded.Such suitable material comprises that the trade mark that can obtain from E.I.Du Pont Company is the material of Hytrel, and the trade mark that obtains from DSM is the material of Arnitel.Various alternative elastomers also are suitable for being applied to the present invention.The thickness of molded membrane 12 is according to the difference of using and difference, it depends primarily on the case hardness of the load and the expectation of expection, but in the seat of standard is used, the support section of film can have about 20-40 mil (mil) before the orientation of expectation average thickness.

In one embodiment, molded membrane 12 quilts provide creep resistance and elasticity towards a direction (for example directions X) orientation with the direction in orientation.The orientation of film 12 is achieved in that the arrangement (alignment) of the crystal structure of increase elastic membrane at molecular level, supports and other load support characteristic thereby change it.More particularly, molded, unoriented molded membrane comprises a plurality of spherolites usually, and these spherolites are in polymeric growth course, and crystal microchip produces by forming with helix radiation ground from nucleus point.In the film of orientation, at least some spherolites are destroyed, and these crystal lamellas (lamellae) are arranged towards a direction.Usually, this film will be oriented this degree: directed film 12 has the load support characteristic that is different in essence at orientation direction and other direction.

With a kind of method of film 12 orientations is to stretch.The amount of the needed stretching of arrangement that obtains expectation is because the difference of using and difference, but in the great majority application, when film is stretched to about 2 times of its original size, just reaches the degree of alignment of expectation.In one embodiment, adopt the power of about 1830lbs that film is stretched to the elastic limit that exceeds it, reach 3-8 times of about its original size.Because film is stretched to and exceeds its elastic limit, so it returns to the next intermediate sizes by the original size distortion.This distortion is expendable permanent deformation.The result of this orientation and expendable distortion is, permanent deformation is to a certain degree eliminated from oriented film, therefore when subsequently in the normal operator's load of expectation when oriented film is exerted pressure (for example, for seat, in the scope for 100-300lbs), As time goes on this film can be resisted and the permanent deformation that produces (for example wriggling).

Although by adopting the whole bag of tricks and stretching under various conditions film is directed, can controls a plurality of parameters, so that the orientation of expected degree to be provided to film.For example, in one embodiment, by after mould takes out, (for example 10-15 minute) is stretched molded film in the short period of time at it, and therefore, it is warm that film remains when being stretched.The power that this has needed when having reduced stretching, thus make the film orientation.In another kind of embodiment, film is stretched with the speed of 1 inch of per second, reaches the distortion of expectation up to it.A kind of slow, controlled stretching helps in the unified orientation of the horizontal maintenance of film.In a kind of embodiment also, can carry out cyclic orientation, wherein film is by directed like this: film is stretched to first distance, is relaxed to second then, intermediate distance; Be stretched to then than the big second distance of first distance.This operation can repeat repeatedly as required, up to the orientation that reaches expectation.In a specific embodiment, film is stretched to the twice of its former length, is relaxed to 1.5 times of former length, and then is stretched to 3 times of former length.The cyclic orientation process helps irregular in the material of compensate film, so that unified stretching to be provided, because after circulation repeatedly, it is smooth that bigger or less stretch zones can become.

Except reducing wriggling, the stretching of molded mould can be used for the surface-supported hardness of control load, and, the comfort level of final control surface.At first, as mentioned above, film has been increased the elasticity of material on this direction towards the orientation of a direction.The elasticity that increases has reduced the hardness of this material on orientation direction, thereby has influenced the comfort level of material at orienting station.The second, as mentioned above, in use, molded mould may hang on the seat mount of chair.Typically, film by with to a certain degree preload tensioning be supported on the framework.Various preloads have changed the hardness of film, thereby have influenced the comfort level of load bearing surface.In one embodiment, it is constant that the size of this framework and former film size keep, and attaches to framework set deformation volume before by changing film, can change the hardness property of this material.The amount that stretches in orientation process is big more, and then when film was installed on the support frame, load bearing surface was loose more, soft more.

Although can make its orientation, yet also can adopt other method to realize the orientation of elastic membrane 12 in some applications by tensile elasticity film 12.For example, can make some material orientation by hammering or other forms of extruding (rather than stretched film 12).Should be pointed out that many elastomeric materials, comprise molded Hytrel, do not have elasticity basically, when being moulding form, be easy to the very wriggling of high level.As mentioned above, orientation process of the present invention can make the character generation marked change of elastomeric material.For example, the orientation of film 12 has increased the elasticity of material, and has reduced its intrinsic character that is easy to wriggle.The elastic membrane 12 of Fig. 1 also comprises a plurality of ripples 14, and these ripples 14 provide " loose " in the direction (being the y direction) perpendicular to orientation direction.When film 12 applies load, ripple 14 can " flatten " gradually, and this flattens and allows film 12 to expand in the y direction.Following more detailed description ripple 14 and other structure of mechanically separating.

Film 12 among Fig. 1 also comprises the border 16 of one, and this border 16 can directly be installed on the required supporting construction (not shown), for example chair seat frame.In the illustrated embodiment, border 16 extends to the periphery around film 12, and its thickness is significantly greater than the thickness of the remainder of film 12.Border 16 can comprise that the fastener of one or other help film 12 is attached to attachment structure (not shown) on the supporting construction.As a kind of replacement, border 16 also can be attached by the securing member (not shown), and described securing member for example is screw or bolt.Border 16 needn't extend to fully around whole film 12, but can comprise one or more sections (segment) that lay respectively at peripheral diverse location.As a kind of replacement, border segment can be positioned each angle (not shown) of rectangular membrane.Border 16 also not necessarily is positioned the periphery of film 12.In some applications, may expect to have the inside that one or more border segment are positioned film 12.For example, in elongated surface, the central interior of film can comprise border segment, so that the installation site (not shown) at middle part to be provided.Fig. 8 A-C shows three kinds of interchangeable border structures.Fig. 8 A show have hole 17 ' border 16 ', hole 17 ' help is with border 16 ' attach on the supporting construction (not shown).For example, the securing member (not shown) can pass hole 17 '.As a kind of replacement, hole 17 ' also can cooperate with the attachment structure (not shown) on the supporting construction, described attachment structure for example is a pillar.Fig. 8 B shows cross section and is roughly circular border 16 ".It is foursquare border 16 substantially that Fig. 8 C shows cross section " '.

Figure 18-20 shows a kind of distortion of Fig. 8 A illustrated embodiment.In this embodiment, the border 160 of film 320 comprises a series of accommodation hole 170.As shown in the figure, accommodation hole 170 along one around border 160 in a row evenly spaced apart.The shape of accommodation hole 170 and spacing make it be suitable for and aim at from seat mount 100 extended corresponding fasteners 104.In this embodiment, by each fastener 104 is inserted in the corresponding accommodation hole 102, can be easy to film is attached on the framework 100.As shown in figure 20, fastener 104 comprises the external boundary 106 of taper.Conical in shape helps the location of film on framework, has eliminated when film attaches on the framework loose on x direction and y direction.

Lateral boundaries

108 and 114 comparable its coboundaries are more tapered, so that film is strained in the y direction.In one embodiment, border 160 is not directed, and thickness is three times of bearing portion at least, wriggles on whole border preventing.In process, whole border 160 can be used for a plurality of purposes.For example, border 160 (or 16 shown in embodiment before) can be used for the clamping surface that is used for making by stretching the anchor clamps (not shown) of membrane orienting as one group.The additional thickness on border 160 makes this become possibility, is used for the rigid surface that contacts with anchor clamps because it provides, the remainder that anchor clamps can stretched film.After film is directed, can utilize a kind of in the above-mentioned multiple technologies, this border can be used for film is mounted on the support.

As mentioned above, elastic membrane 12 is to adopt conventional art or install molded.For example, elastic membrane 12 can be by traditional injection mold device (not shown) injection molded, and this injection mould device comprises mould, and mould is configured to provide the shape with expectation and the film of feature.In such an embodiment, elastic membrane 12 is to inject die cavity manufacturing by the material with expectation to be shaped.This mould is designed to the blank (referring to Fig. 3 A) that provides molded, and in a single day any desired orientation takes place this blank, will be rendered as the shape of expectation.For example, mould is configured to form the part of the shape and size with expectation after orientation step is finished.After molded, molded membrane can be stretched, perhaps towards a direction orientation (referring to Fig. 3 B).If directed by stretch realizing, the exact value that then is applied to the amount of tension on the film will depend on the structure of film and the support performance of expectation.In many application, film must be stretched to the twice at least of its former length, be preferably three times, to reach the arrangement of expectation.This film can adopt traditional technology and equipment to stretch.In one embodiment, in drawing process, one group of anchor clamps (not shown) can be configured to be held on the whole border of film.Because plastic deformation, and the increase of the arrangement of crystal structure, film 12 can not be got back to its original length fully after stretcher discharges.On the contrary, oriented film 12 will prolong the part of stretching distance, and accurate elongation depends on the material behavior (referring to Fig. 3 C) of film to a great extent.In case any desired orientation takes place, can film 12 directly be installed on the supporting construction by any mounting technique basically.

Figure 21 shows the curve map of the changes in material properties example that shows concrete molded membrane, comprising three different stress-strain curves.These curves have shown the stress-strain on the engineering (being that the variation on surf zone is not regulated in the deformation process).Line A shows stretching original, unoriented film, and it lost efficacy when the speed with per second .05 inch stretches.This inefficacy occurs in about 2250lbs, this time material be stretched to 825% of about former length.Line B shows the material extending of same type 650% o'clock orientation to its former length.This orientation comprises a circulation, wherein film is stretched to its former length 100% after, continue before the orientation, this material is by loose.In this case, the final length after this material recovers is more than 3.5 times of former length.This has shown the plastic deformation that this material produces after orientation.Line C shows and reaches the stretching that directional material lost efficacy.This material lost efficacy when the power of 2400lbs greatly.As the Hookean region by alternative line A and line C as can be seen, oriented film shown in the line C has lower coefficient of elasticity, therefore it has more elasticity than original material, and afterwards, can return to its directed length fully at the normal service load of acceptance (for example about 180lbs).

In one embodiment, the film that has been directed by stretching can manually be attached on the support frame before the material that stretches returns to its last size fully with (need not to use stretcher).Carry out attachedly in the short time that must be after film is stretched, seldom or not need need the load of attached film like this, for example, fastener 104 be inserted in the accommodation holes 102.After attaching to framework, film continues to recover, and therefore after film reaches last size, stretches on framework to its tensioning.In one embodiment, film last size of recovering after orientation may be scheduled to, for example by experiment or calculate, so film can by zero load be arranged on the framework, the desired value with preload returns to last size then.In one embodiment, the desired value of preload is between 75 to 250lbs.If by attached, it is desirable to before film recovers fully, before in the end using, allow it to recover for some time.

As a kind of replacement to stretching, film 12 also can be directed by extruding.In the embodiment directed by extruding, film 12 is placed on mould or other in all sides rather than at least in the structure (not shown) of a lateral confinement system film 12 corresponding with the desired direction of orientation.Opposite side can not be limited, with the material that allows film 12 from both sides along the orientation direction flow.As a kind of replacement, also can have only a side not to be limited, thereby limit material to folk prescription to flow.Apply extruding force to film 12 then.For example, can adopt the interior film 12 of squeezer extrusion die.Apply enough extruding forces, thereby make material to uncurbed direction flow.This makes film 12 stretch in fact, and its crystal structure becomes and more and more arranges towards orientation direction.The size of power that is applied to film 12 is because the difference of using and difference, and it depends on the degree of the directed or arrangement of expectation.Although the orientation in conjunction with whole elastic membrane 12 is described, in some applications, needn't make whole film 12 orientations.On the contrary, in some applications, expectation is only with the selected part orientation of film.For example, in some applications, expectation is only with the selected marginal portion orientation of film.When expectation is such, can apply local stretching or extruding to film.In other was used, the selected part of film may have the thickness that reduces, and like this in orientation process, mainly was that these selected parts are stretched and become and are directed.

In the present invention, the use of molded film can be easy to produce ad hoc structure (texture) on film, can make film have any desired basically profile and in the thickness difference of diverse location film.Although not shown, the upper surface of film can be level and smooth or form the ad hoc structure of the appearance that leather, fabric or other desired results are provided.Similarly, the upper surface of film can have any possible basically design element (not shown), as kick, wrinkle, hole or cobweb pattern.The use of profile and allow the support performance of controlling diaphragm 12 partly along the variation of the thickness of whole film 12.For example, film 12 can be thicker in the zone that the expectation enhancing is supported.

Various alternative embodiment of the present invention is described in the paragraph below.In the embodiment of each replacement, elastic membrane is by towards a direction orientation, reducing wriggling, and provides desired elasticity at orientation for film.Yet, needn't be all with membrane orienting in all are used.On the contrary, be not in the application that must (perhaps not expect) in those elasticity that provide by orientation and wriggling resistance, the variation of the support performance of the film of different directions can be only the variation of structure by film realize.

Fig. 5 A-B shows a kind of embodiment of replacement.In this embodiment, film 12 ' define a plurality of grooves or hole, the hardness of film in x direction and y direction has been weakened in these grooves or hole.Particularly, a plurality of holes 26 of film 12 ' define ', hole 26 ' permission film produces the stretching, extension of a concrete amount in the direction (being the y direction) of expectation, and need not significantly stretched film 12 '.Hole 26 ' can shown in Fig. 5 A, extend.As shown in FIG., hole 26 ' can film 12 ' whole surface on be staggered, hole 26 ' accurately shape, quantity, position and size are mainly determined by the support performance of expectation.Shown in Fig. 5 B, film 12 ' can be molded as have around each hole 26 ' crimping 27 ', with the possibility that reduces to tear.As mentioned above, film 12 ' also be directed in direction, the description of carrying out as binding film 12 towards x.

Fig. 6 A-B shows second interchangeable embodiment.In this embodiment, film 12 " comprises corrugated distortion 26 ", the hardness of corrugated distortion 26 " by providing " loose " to reduce film 12 in a direction (for example y direction) ".Shown in Fig. 6 B, when observing cross section, corrugated distortion 26 " can be sine curve.As a kind of replacement, when observing cross section, corrugated distortion 26 " also can be similar to the structure of accordion or fold.But this waveform basic symbols is combined in any desired contour that the z direction changes.In this embodiment, corrugated distortion 26 " can be configured to be parallel to each other.Therefore, corrugated distortion 26 " collaborative in one direction loose of providing basically.Yet under the situation of the support performance that is suitable for providing expectation, corrugated distortion 26 " also can be arranged non-parallelly.The control of the whole support performance of corrugated distortion 26 " quantity, size, shape and position can be conditioned, to provide " to film 12.

Fig. 7 A-B shows the third interchangeable embodiment.In this embodiment, the rib 26 of film 10 " ' comprise a plurality of transmembranes at least in part 12 " ' extend " '.In this embodiment, film 12 " ' comprise a plurality of parallel ribs 26 " '.The extra material of rib 26 " ' give film 12 " ' provide, these materials have reduced court perpendicular to rib 26 " the direction stretched film 12 of ' (being the y direction) " ' needed power, and to " ' needed power influence is very little towards the direction stretched film 12 that is parallel to rib (being the x direction).Rib 26 " ' quantity, size, shape and position can be conditioned, to provide to film 12 " ' the control of support performance.

Load bearing surface can randomly be divided into a plurality of nodes.Molded elastomeric membrane 112 shown in Fig. 2 A-B comprises a plurality of nodes 118, and these nodes 118 are interconnected by a plurality of linkage sections 120,122.As may be the clearest the illustrating of Fig. 2 B, node 118 and linkage section 120,122 integrally formed single molded parts.In the embodiment of Fig. 2 A-B, film 112 comprises that a plurality of square, sizes substantially equate, at interval node 118 regularly.Yet node 118 needn't size equates or regularly at interval.On the contrary, node 118 can change at size, shape, spacing or the further feature of the zones of different of film 112, so that the part control to the support performance of the zones of different of film 112 to be provided.Although the node in the present embodiment 118 is foursquare substantially, their shape can change according to the difference of using.For example, in some applications, may need circle, triangle, rectangle or irregularly shaped.The node 118 that illustrates has smooth substantially upper surface 124, but upper surface 124 can have various profiles.For example, node 118 can have the upper surface (not shown) of projection.It should also be appreciated that interval 126 and linkage section 120,122 between the node 118 provide the film 112 that ventilates.126 sizes, shape and structure at interval can be made into to be suitable for providing ventilate and support performance between required balance.

As mentioned above, node 118 is interconnected by a plurality of linkage sections 120,122 (referring to Fig. 2 B).The support performance of film 112 is subjected to the influence of quantity, size, shape and other features of linkage section 120,122.In this embodiment, film 110 is configured to provide the resiliency supported along a direction.Therefore, the linkage section 120 at the x of orientation direction connected node 118 is flat substantially.Therefore, when applying load, elastic membrane 112 stretches one of orientation direction experience and moves.In this embodiment, film 112 is configured to have the minimum elastic response direction of orientation direction (promptly perpendicular to) in the y direction.Therefore, not flat substantially at the linkage section 122 of y direction connected node 118, but some arc that takes the shape of the letter U.Therefore, linkage section 122 provides " loose " in the direction perpendicular to orientation direction to film.Bearing under the situation of load, nonplanar linkage section 122 bears flecition, and this flecition makes linkage section flatten basically, and " loose " removed from film 112.This makes under need not the situation of stretched film 112, makes film 112 in loose direction to a certain degree stretching, extension take place.By regulating the design and the structure of linkage section 120,122, obtain the needed load capacity of this extension and can be applied on the film 112.Changes although realize the needed accurate power of flecition, flecition produce to the expansion resistance of film 112 and elastic recovery be far smaller than stretching action normal understand generation to film 112 expansion resistance and elastic recovery.Therefore, film 112 mainly provides resiliency supported at orientation direction.

In addition, film both direction all orientation and film comprise among the embodiment of separation (decoupling) structure of machinery, can adopt the separation structure (as node 118) of machinery to change and the orienting station of controlling diaphragm.For example, in the film shown in Fig. 2 A and the 2B, the linkage section 120 that extends along orientation direction has the thickness littler than the remainder of node 118 and film.Therefore, when when film 110 being directed, stretch and orientation mainly occurs in the linkage section 120 in x side's stretched film.In the illustrated embodiment, these parts with the cross section that reduces are evenly extended on the y direction in a row, so they are when directions X is drawn, and they can stretch equably.The node 118 basic non-directionals that keep.But the position of this feasible basic controlling orientation and the hardness of load bearing surface.

On the other hand, the invention provides multilayer load bearing surface 200.In the embodiment of Fig. 9-11, load bearing surface 200 comprise upper strata 204, lower floor 206 and be arranged at upper strata 204 and lower floor 206 between a plurality of flexible members 230.Upper strata 204 has a plurality of nodes 208 that loosely connect, and lower floor 206 is connected with upper strata 204, and supports upper strata 204.In one embodiment, upper strata 204 comprises a plurality of interconnective nodes 208.Upper strata 204 can be the molded tablet with the integrally formed monolithic of linkage section 212, and linkage section 212 and adjacent node 208 interconnect.In the embodiment of Fig. 9-11, node 208 is foursquare.But node 208 also can be any other shape.For example, illustrate in the alternative embodiment at Figure 16-17, node 208 ' be leg-of-mutton.Select the characteristic of linkage section 212, provide interdepending of desired level to give between the adjacent node 208.For example, when wishing to interdepend to heavens between the node 208, can comprise short, thick linkage section 212; When wishing between the node 208 can to comprise long and thin linkage section 212 when independent to heavens.If desired, linkage section 212 is flexible for " loose " is provided between node 208, is similar to the linkage section 122 that above-mentioned binding film 10 is described.In the illustrated embodiment, upper strata 204 also comprises 206 axle 216 (or other projections) of extending from each node 208 towards lower floor.As what below will describe in detail, axle 216 cooperatively interacts with the corresponding aperture 218 of lower floor 206.This relation that cooperatively interacts makes lower floor 206 guide the motion on upper stratas 204.Axle 216 can have different shape.But in the embodiment of Fig. 9-11, each 216 cylindrical shaft that comprise elongation.In the embodiment of the replacement shown in Figure 16 and 17, each 216 ' substantially comprise end at head 222 ' bar 220 '.Head 222 ' be back taper, its have the lower end 224 of taper ' and smooth substantially upper end 226 ', the lower end 224 of taper ' help axle 216 ' insert in lower floor's corresponding opening, and smooth substantially upper end 226 ' prevent axle 216 ' from the opening of lower floor, remove.Head 222 ' the make upper strata 204 of axle ' and lower floor be easy to be quick mounting to the relation of mutual locking.As a kind of replacement, head 222 ' can comprise the shape that other locks mutually.

Lower floor 206 gives upper strata 204 provide the structural supports.Lower floor 206 randomly has elasticity, and randomly is divided into the node 240 corresponding with upper layer node 208.In the embodiment of Fig. 9-11, lower floor 206 is molded elastomeric membrane of similarly separating (decoupled) with above-described film 112.Lower floor 206 comprises a plurality of square nodes 240 that connected by linkage section 242,244.About film 112, lower floor 206 is by along the directions X orientation, and comprises nonplanar linkage section 224, and linkage section 224 provides loose in the y direction.Yet different with film 112, each node 240 defines the opening 218 of the axle 216 that is suitable for holding corresponding upper node 208.

The structure of node 240 and linkage section 242,244 can be different and different according to what use.Figure 12 illustrate the lower floor 206 of first kind of replacement '.In this embodiment, lower floor 206 ' along x direction orientation.Lower floor 206 ' comprise by linkage section 242 ', the 244 ' square node 240 that connects '.Linkage section 242 ' x direction connected node 240 ', and be the plane substantially, so that do not have loose at orientation direction.Linkage section 244 ' y direction connected node 240 ', and be arc, to form loose in the y direction.Figure 13 shows the lower floor 206 of second kind of replacement ".This embodiment is except node 240 " substantially circular, substantially with lower floor 206 ' identical.For lower floor 206 ' for, if desired, lower floor 206 " linkage section 242 ", 244 " can provide loose in the y direction.Although the structure in conjunction with various orientations has been described lower floor, lower floor does not need orientation or other separation.Similarly, lower floor 206 does not need to be separated into significant node.

As mentioned above, can between upper strata 204 and lower floor 206, flexible member be set.Preferably (but necessarily) is provided with flexible member 250 between the lower level node 240 of each upper layer node 208 and correspondence.Shown in Fig. 9-11, can on each axle 216 between upper strata 204 and the lower floor 206, flexible member be set, as wind spring.The characteristic of discrete spring can be different because of the difference of position, provide different support performances with the different piece at load bearing surface.

As a kind of replacement, flexible member can be combined as a whole with lower floor.As shown in figure 14, lower floor 306 can comprise the elastic arm 350 with lower floor's 306 integrally moulded a plurality of one that form.Elastic arm 350 is configured such that single elastic arm 350 aims at each upper layer node 208 uniquely.Elastic arm 350 is cantilevers, and is arc to the cardinal principle of upper strata 204 extensions from lower floor 306.The upper end 352 of each elastic arm 350 is configured to cooperate with the lower surface of corresponding upper node 208.Each elastic arm 350 defines axis hole 318, and axis hole 318 is configured to hold the axle 216 of corresponding upper node 208.In the present embodiment, axis hole 318 is less than the head of axle, thereby axle can fasten with elastic arm 350.Semielliptic spring 350 can be substituted by structure other cantilever or flexible (for example bow-shaped structural or dome structure).

A kind of alternative one elastic construction has been shown among Figure 15.In this embodiment, each flexible member 450 comprises the gimbal 460 of one, and gimbal 460 helps axle 216 basically in the motion of all directions, thereby makes that upper strata 204 is more flexible.Flexible member 450 comprises the cantilever 452 that extends to upper strata 204 from lower floor 406.Elastic arm 450 ends at the gimbal 460 of one.Gimbal 460 comprises pivot cup 462 and installing ring 464 substantially, and pivot cup 462 is connected by a pair of flexible bridges 466 with the remainder of elastic arm 450.Bridge 466 is positioned at the opposite side of pivot cup 462, and on diameter toward each other.Pivot cup 462 then is connected with installing ring 464 by a pair of flexible bridges 468.Install a bridge 468 on diameter toward each other, and be positioned at the opposite side of installing ring 464, simultaneously also with pivot cup bridge 466 90 degree approximately at interval.During use, pivot cup bridge 466 and installing ring bridge 468 are sufficiently pliable and tough, so that installing ring 464 all pivots substantially in any direction, this can be controlled by the load that axle 216 transmits.The characteristic of gimbal 460 can be regulated, so that the support performance of expectation to be provided.

In the embodiment of other replacement, flexible member can be incorporated in to upper strata rather than lower floor.In this embodiment, flexible member can be identical with above-mentioned flexible member substantially.

Lower floor can easily be configured to provide local control to load bearing surface ground support performance.If desired, the characteristic of the elastic component of the zones of different of lower floor can be different, so that the variation corresponding to the support performance of upper strata zones of different to be provided.For example, as required, the hardness of the flexible member of choosing can improve or reduce, so that greater or lesser support to be provided.The shape of flexible member, thickness, length or other characteristics can change, so that the part that needs control to be provided.

Foregoing description is the description about various embodiment of the present invention.Also can make various changes or distortion and do not depart from the spirit of the present invention that in attached claim, limits and wideer aspect, so these embodiment should go to explain according to patent ratio juris (comprising doctrine of equivalents).The odd number of any element of mentioning for example, uses article " ", " one ", " being somebody's turn to do " or " described " should not be interpreted as these elements are defined as odd number.

Claims

Required following exclusive ownership or privilege in an embodiment of the present invention:

1. a load bearing surface comprises molded elastic membrane, and described film is by along the first direction orientation, compares different load support characteristics with second direction thereby described film provides at first direction.
2. surface according to claim 1, wherein, described film comprises the border of one, the border of described one is adapted such that described film is installed on the supporting construction.
3. surface according to claim 2, wherein, the border of described one limits at least one accommodation hole, and described accommodation hole is suitable for holding from the extended projection of described supporting construction.
4. surface according to claim 3, wherein, extend along first side of described film and second side of described film on the border of described one, and described second side is relative with described first side, and described first side and second side are extended perpendicular to described first direction.
5. surface according to claim 4, wherein, described film comprises the first with first thickness and has the second portion of second thickness that described first extends along described second direction basically.
6. surface according to claim 5, wherein, the border of described one has the 3rd thickness, and described the 3rd thickness is thicker than described first thickness, is at least 3 times of described first thickness.
7. surface according to claim 3, wherein, described frame for movement comprises the integrally formed passage of a plurality of and described film, described passage extends along described first direction basically.
8. surface according to claim 1, wherein, described film defines by the interconnective a plurality of nodes in a plurality of coupling parts, compare with the described coupling part of extending along the described coupling part that described first direction extends and to have different physical characteristics, thereby described film is separated by the difference of the physical characteristic of described a plurality of coupling parts at least in part along described second direction.
9. surface according to claim 1, wherein, at least a portion of described film comprises crystal structure, described crystal structure has than other direction at described first direction to be arranged greatly.
10. a method of making load bearing surface comprises the steps:

Molded elastomeric membrane;

With at least a portion of described elastic membrane only along a direction orientation, crystal structure up to described film becomes fully along this direction arrangement, so that the load support characteristic that the described part of described elastic membrane has on this direction is different from other direction.
11. method according to claim 10, wherein, described orientation step is further defined at least a portion with described elastic membrane is stretched to this part of described film along this direction about at least three times of former length.
12. method according to claim 11, wherein, described molded membrane is taken out in back 15 minutes from mould at it and is stretched, and this moment, described film remained the heated state that is in.
13. method according to claim 11, wherein, described molded membrane is stretched to the distance that is enough to take place plastic deformation.
14. method according to claim 11, wherein, described film is stretched to first distance from initial range, be relaxed to the second distance between described initial range and the described second distance then, and then is stretched to three distance longer than described second distance.
15. method according to claim 11 also comprises the steps:

Make described elastic membrane be molded as border with one; And

By described border described elastic membrane is attached on the supporting construction.
16. method according to claim 15, wherein, the boundary that the step of the described film that stretches the is included in described one described film that stretches.
17. method according to claim 15 wherein, attaches to step on the described supporting construction with described film and comprises a plurality of projections on the described supporting construction are inserted step in the receiver of a plurality of correspondences in the border of the described one that is formed at described film.
18. method according to claim 15, wherein, the film that is stretched was attached on the described supporting construction before returning to final lengths.
19. method according to claim 10, wherein, described orientation step is further defined to:

Except at least one at least a portion of the described elastic membrane of restriction on all sides the constrained side not corresponding to a described direction;

Push this part of described elastic membrane, up to the material of this part of described elastic membrane along described direction flow outside limit lateral not.
20. a method of making load bearing surface comprises:

Molded elastomeric membrane makes described film comprise that extend along first direction described coupling part by the interconnective a plurality of nodes in a plurality of coupling parts, and described coupling part has the thickness less than described node thickness;

Make described elastic membrane orientation in this way: stretch described film to enough distances along described first direction, arrange so that the crystal structure of described film generation plastic deformation and described film has greatly along first direction; And

Before described film returns to final length, attach it on the supporting construction, after described film was mounted on the supporting construction, described film continued to recover, and the film of Hui Fuing provides required tensioning between described supporting construction and described film fully.
21. a load bearing surface comprises:

Supporting construction;

Molded elastic membrane, at least a portion of described film are oriented to be had along first direction than the crystal structure of arranging is largely arranged along second direction; Described film is molded as and comprises frame for movement, and described frame for movement is separated described film between described first direction and described second direction; And

Attachment arrangement between described supporting construction and described film, supports described film with the ground of tensioning on described supporting construction.
22. load bearing surface according to claim 21, wherein, described attachment arrangement comprises border that is overmolded to the one in the described film and a plurality of projections that are positioned on the described supporting construction, the border of described one defines a plurality of receivers, and each in described a plurality of projections is inserted in the described receiver of a correspondence.
23. load bearing surface according to claim 22, wherein, described each projection comprises external boundary, and at least a portion of described external boundary is tapered.
24. load bearing surface according to claim 23, wherein, described external boundary comprises towards the first side wall of described second direction and second sidewall, and towards the 3rd sidewall and the 4th sidewall of described first direction; The described the first side wall and second sidewall have bigger tapering than described the 3rd sidewall and the 4th sidewall.
25. load bearing surface according to claim 21, wherein, the some parts of described film has orientation greatly than other parts of described film, and the part that described orientation is bigger has bigger elasticity than other parts.
26. load bearing surface according to claim 25, wherein, described film comprises that by the interconnective a plurality of nodes of linkage section described linkage section has directed greatly than described node.
27. load bearing surface according to claim 26, wherein, described node is pressed matrix and is arranged.